Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less)
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car essential Nearest amenities: 1 km
Notes:
May take pets - please enquire Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Builti n 1760 from stones from the local Aulella river, charming cottage in a hamlet at the edge of a small village in Lunigiana, Northern Tuscany. Situated between the mountains and the coast, it takes only 25 minutes by car to the nearest beach (Lerici, which has a "Blue Flag" award indicating clean water, pristine sands and a well organised beach) and only 45 minutes to the nearest ski resort. Fabulous opportunities for walking in the nearby hills. Close to a small lake and river, teeming with fish, with areas for river bathing in the cool mountain water. During Summer months, there is a large swimming pool just 10 minutes away. The cottage has stunning views of the Alpi Apuane and a large garden, which offers a very peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for relaxing during hot, sunny afternoons and for B-B-Cues. Ideal for families, couples or groups.
Alpi Apuane from the lake
La Casetta della Vigna
Downstairs bedroom
Fireplace
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/25934
The Tuscany region
The birthplace of the Renaissance, the olive groves and cypress trees of Tuscany are Italy itself for many visitors. The rolling landscape with its cultivated vineyards and its remnant wildness, is a particularly beautiful and tranquil destination. Nestled within the landscape are some of the treasures of the Renaissance, Siena, Lucca and Pisa, home of one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.
Lunigiana area
Lunigiana is the undiscovered northernmost tip of Tuscany that protrudes into Liguria and Emilia to link the Apennines with the craggy Alpi Apuane, providing a beautiful backdrop to Tuscany’s Mediterranean beaches.
This is an area of outstanding natural beauty dotted with ancient hill-top villages and terraced olive groves. The pace is slow, the food and wine wonderful, and the locals are extremely friendly and welcoming. Lunigiana is still associated with the smell of burning wood and fermenting wine, and is extremely tranquil.
The weather in June, July and August is fairly hot, but during the Spring and Autumn, the days are generally warm and sunny, though cooler at night. September and October are an interesting time to visit, as it is the time of the “vendemmia” or grape harvest. “Porcini” mushrooms are also to be found at this time of year, and the locals will be out collecting them from the woods.
Lunigiana is a paradise for walkers, and is full of natural curiosities, such as the caves near Equi Terme, site of the natural sulphur baths. If you wish to visit the famous cities of Florence, Pisa and Lucca, they are all accessible by train from the local town of Aulla.
Aulla is the main town in the area, from which the Taverone and Aulella valleys radiate, the hillsides of which are covered with chestnut woods and high meadows. At the end of the Taverone valley, the Lagastrello pass marks the route through into Parma Province, the source of the River Taverone and the end of the Crenale mountain ridge. Leading more directly east, from Aulla, the old Lucca road runs along the Aulella valley, through Casola and on into the Parco Alpi Apuane, before turning south along the old pilgrim road to Lucca.
Bordering Lunigiana to the west, past La Spezia, and the famous pretty fishing villages of the Cinque Terre is the province of Liguria, with its sandy beaches and pleasant climate.
For those of you interested in birdwatching, the following have all been spotted in the immediate vicinity : English German Scientific Little Grebe Zwergtaucher Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Bittern Zwergdommel Ixobrychus minutus Little Egret Seidenreiher Egretta garzetta Black-crowned Night Heron Nachtreiher Nycticorax nycticorax Mallard Stockente Anas platyrhynchos Moorhen Teichhuhn Gallinula chloropus Coot Blässhuhn Fulica atra Little Ringed Plover Flußregenpfeifer Charadrinus dubius Common Sandpiper Flußuferläufer Actitis hypoleucos Yellow-legged Gull Mittelmeermöwe Larus cachinans michahellis Collared Dove Türkentaube Streptopelia decaocta Swift Mauersegler Apus apus Pallid Swift Fahlsegler Apus palidus Wryneck Wendehals Jynx torquilla Swallow Rauchschwalbe Hirundo rustica House Martin Mehlschwalbe Delichon urbica White Wagtail Bachstelze Motacilla alba Nightingale Nachtigall Luscinia megarhynchos Blackbird Amsel Turdus merula Dartford Warbler Provencegrasmücke Sylvia undata Cetti’s Warbler Seidensänger Cettia cetti Melodious Warbler Orpheusspötter Hypolais polyglotta Great Tit Kohlmeise Parus major Magpie Elster Pica pica Jay Eichelhäher Garrulus glandarius Carrion Crow Nebelkrähe Corvus corone cornix Starling Star Sturnus vulgaris Italian Sparrow Italiensperling Passer italiae Serin Girlitz Serinus serinus
How to get there
Flights to Pisa : Ryanair from East Midlands, London Stansted, Liverpool; Thomsonfly from Coventry. EasiJet and BA from Gatwick. Jet2.com from Leeds Bradford.
Cottage is only 50 minutes drive from Pisa airport.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Pisa: 90 km
Railway:
Aulla: 3 km
Ferry:
La Spezia: 27 km
Activities near Lunigiana
Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player
General:
Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 7
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Bedroom 1, situated downstairs, with super king-size bed, has been recently converted and has a beautiful chestnut ceiling. At the front of the property, it has views of the stunning Alpi Apuane.
Bedroom 2 upstairs, with double bed, has views from the side of the cottage across the river valley, with the lovely Appenine Hills in the background. Accessible through bedroom 3.
Bedroom 3 upstairs, with 2 single beds and access to the front terrace.
BBC 1 and 2, and ITV available via satellite.
Cot and high chair are available on request
Further details outdoors: Sun-loungers, parasols and garden furniture provided. Including B-B-Cue. Large front terrace, which is a magnificent sun trap, providing beautiful views over the lake, river and mountains. Table and chairs, so that you can enjoy breakfast outside. There is also a terrace at the side of the cottage, also with table and chairs. This has views across the river valley and to the Appenine Hills.
Further details
Local swimming pools only open July & August.
English-speaking owner on hand to answer any questions.
Conditions
£100 of rental payable as a deposit to secure booking. Balance payable 6 weeks prior to holiday. Mid-week arrivals considered. Long weekend lets considered. Smoking permitted only outside on the balconies.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
1 Jul 08
1 Sep 08
450£450
0-
0-
1 Week
1 Sep 08
20 Dec 08
400£400
6868
6868
2 Nights
20 Dec 08
4 Jan 09
450£450
0-
0-
1 Week
4 Jan 09
1 Jul 09
425£425
7070
7070
2 Nights
1 Jul 09
1 Sep 09
475£475
0-
0-
1 Week
1 Sep 09
19 Dec 09
425£425
7070
7070
2 Nights
51
The owner's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Possible reduction if only 2 guests (not July/August). Price on application.
Preferred payment method - cheque in pounds sterling.
Includes all utilities. 10% supplement from 1st November 2008 to end April 2009 to cover heating costs and from 1st October 2009 to end April 2010.
Guestbook
"The most relaxing week of my life. I've never slept so well and woke up to the sound of musical bells. Near enough to so many places, a real find. I would go back tomorrow if I could!" Hilary Secher, Warks.
"Ideally situated and equipped for a relaxed break off the main tourist drag : mountains and sea within easy travelling distance, restaurants within walking distance - perfect" S Furniss, Stratford
"Thank you for a wonderful stay at La Casetta della Vigna, a lovely cottage ina superb countryside setting, a short walk to local shops and restaurants, a short drive to the market town of Aulla and with stunning coastal villages and mountains within a half hours drive" C Sheppard
"Whether you need a romantic getaway, a family break or just a holiday with friends, this is the place is for you. It has all the facilities you will need and has a good supermarket and restaurants close by. You are also well placed for access to the coast, places like Pisa and within easy reach of the mountains. Its fab and I will definitely be going there again" Andy, Northants
After spending 3 weeks in La Casetta Della Vigna whilst on our summer holiday in August what more can I say the house was spotlessly clean, spacious, fully equipped, with a welcoming feeling of home. There was the most exquisite views of the mountains from the balcony. If you fancied an afternoon of activities there were bikes available or fishing facilities at the house with the river a short stroll across the road. If you wanted a relaxing afternoon on the other hand you could enjoy the spacious surroundings and relax in the garden with a dip in the lake nearby to cool off. Highly recommended and look forward to another visit. Kim Claudio & Family Swansea South Wales UK
Two weeks in this lovely house. We were here with our four children and we had so fun and were so relaxed when the weeks were over. The owner lives next door and she was so helpful with whatever we needed help with She helped me to find horseriding and I loved the 3 hours in the mountain on the horse back. Many Thanks. Catharina, July 08
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/25934
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